Since the teaser trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie back in October, this Nintendo film has quickly become one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. Not just for children, but also adults and families that grew up with the Mario video game franchise. This movie has a promising outcome from that trailer and the character posters that premiere. Yet video game to movie adaptations has been mediocre at best, if not poor. Some movies, like the 1993 Super Mario Bros film or Silent Hill: Revelations back in 2012, received abysmal audience reviews. There is a pattern that video games should remain as is.

While recent movies like Detective Pikachu (another Nintendo film) and Sonic the Hedgehog have broken the pattern, the upcoming Mario movie could make a huge leap for future films. Especially if Nintendo plans to introduce more of its games to the big cinematic screen. Fans are, of course, expecting top entertainment and nostalgia from such a popular and well-loved series. From what has been unveiled so far, Nintendo is on the right track.

Illumination Is the Best Choice for Mario Animation

Mario-Movie-Ambitious-Multiverse
Universal Pictures

The Super Mario Bros. Movie released the official trailer back in November. So far the level of animation has not been a disappointment. Nintendo partnered up with Illumination to make this movie happen. Illumination has made iconic animated films from the Despicable Me and Minions franchises to Dr. Seuss's The Grinch. This entertainment company has proven yet again the amazing work that they accomplish. The colorful vibrancy and character design match almost perfectly with the atmosphere of the games. From the stained-glass window in the throne room to the familiar platform optical course that Mario trains on. The lighting is pleasing to the eyes and adds a new sense of wonder to the Mario series.

Related: How Ambitious is The Super Mario Movie's Multiverse?

The trailer also showed how many Easter eggs and past game references (like the rainbow bridge from Mario Kart) were captured in the film for fans of all ages to spot. Nintendo cares for the quality of their gits It only makes sense that the cinematic adaptations should match the company's elements. Aside from the ongoing Pokémon anime and films, Nintendo has a rather small archive of game-to-movie pieces. Especially those that are successful. There are already speculations about a Mario cinematic universe with the Super Smash Bros reference at the very beginning of the trailer.

Chris Pratt, Jack Black, and Other Shocking Voice Actors

super mario bros movie bowser
Universal Pictures

When the official cast list was publicly announced back in September, longtime fans were skeptical about certain big-name actors voicing beloved game characters. Chris Pratt was the biggest concern for the audience. While he has starred in plenty of popular movies, like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie, his voice wouldn't seem like the right fit for the Italian plumber. From what the trailer offered, Pratt has the role of Mario secured well.

Right down to the "Wahoo!," School of Rock's and Jumanji's Jack Black was born for the role of Bowser. He makes the king of the Koopas both intimidating and a villain worthy of loving. With Black being a well-known musician and comedic actor, there is no surprise that his performance will blow people away.

Related: Why Mario Characters Needed Major Changes for the Movie Rehaul

Golden Globe-winning actress Anya Taylor-Joy was another pleasant surprise cast addition to voice Princess Peach. Taylor-Joy has appeared in indie films such as Split, Glass, The Witch, and recently in The Menu. Yet she makes the Princess sound both regal and friendly as fans pictured her to be.

The voice of Mario himself, Charles Martinet, will also take part in "surprise cameos" throughout the film. While he is not voicing Mario and Luigi as usual, there is a chance to hear him as possible side characters or even one of the Toads. We still do not know how many characters he has voiced, and the mystery alone is compelling.

We have seen exactly what Nintendo can do with game-to-movie projects when partnered with the right production companies. The story and magic are already promising with just three months away until the movie's premiere. Who doesn't want to see Donkey Kong smack around Mario like the monkey he is? Or watch Princess Peach defend her homeland from the Koopa King? If the Mario movie gets great reviews after its release, we could see more projects similar. After all, The Legend of Zelda seems like a good next step. The Hero of Hyrule could finally make a proper appearance in the world of cinema. The possibilities for Nintendo are endless.